Elton John appointed to head historic London theater

BY Advocate.com Editors

April 13 2002 12:00 AM ET

Out pop star Sir Elton John has been appointed as chairman of a trust that owns London's historic Old Vic theater, reports BBC News. The trust bought the 180-year-old building in 1998 to rescue it from demolition, and John joins actor Kevin Spacey on the trust's board. The Old Vic was run by Lord Laurence Olivier and Ralph Richardson after World War II. the theater's chief executive, Sally Green, said she hopes that John's involvement will "energize and enthuse the theatergoing public."

"I am immensely excited about contributing to the future of this great theater," said John. "The Old Vic is one of the most important theaters in Great Britain, having been the home to some of the greatest actors and companies of the last century."